Conquer Composition on Your Next Adventure, Part Two

23 Aug Conquer Composition on Your Next Adventure, Part Two

This is the second installment in my two-part series on composition. Composition is one of the key elements in making a good photograph. Add a good exposure and a good subject to a well-composed image, and you have a good photograph.

In this two-part column (click here to read the first installment) I cover some of the basic rules of composition. In reading the rules, six per column, keep in mind that rules are meant to be broken. In other words, these “rules” are basically composition suggestions.

Let’s go!

Concept: Covet the Contours

Reasoning: Simply put, contours are pretty, and make for attractive photographs.
Location: Alaska

Concept: Do it Diagonally

Reasoning: Lines and patters that run from corner to corner, as opposed to horizontally or vertically, add interest and create eye movement in a frame.
Location: Fez, Morocco

Concept: Beware of the Background

Reasoning: The background can make or break a shot. Basically, it should be there to enhance the subject. When considering the background, focus and brightness are of the upmost importance, as well as separation, which are discussed in detail in the next chapter.
Location: Spearfish, South Dakota

Concept: Horizon Line Laws

Reasoning: When you have an interesting foreground, it’s a good idea to place the horizon line near the top of the frame, and vice versa. When you are photographing a beautiful reflection, try placing the horizon line dead center in the frame – which is against most rules of composition.
Location: Alaska

Concept: “S” Curves are Sexy

Reasoning: Like other concepts mentioned here, the “S” curve cause the viewer’s eyes to move through the frame.
Location: Death Valley, California

Concept: The Photography Balancing Act

Reasoning: “Heavy” objects in a frame can put the photograph off balance. Try to compose an image that is evenly balanced – with subjects and with light.
Location: Iceland

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Rick Sammon

Rick Sammon is our regular and intrepid photo columnist here on Adventure Collection. To see more of his work, and to learn about his photography workshops, check out his web site: www.ricksammon.com.

Latest posts by Rick Sammon (see all)

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